Needle cover assembly for hypodermic syringes

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an improved needle cover assembly for a syringe. The needle cover assembly includes a first, larger half or arm and an opposite unequal second, smaller half or arm with an arc-shaped inner shell such that the first half or arm encloses the arc-shaped inner shell of the second half or arm of the needle cover assembly. The arc-shaped inner shell of the second half or arm extends over the tip of the needle and the first half or arm of the elongated cover member extends over both the arc-shaped inner shell and the tip of the needle for providing redundant, double protection. Both halves or arms are constructed in such a manner as to comprise a hollow internal cavity with lateral side members. Additionally, the lateral side members of the first, large arm are fabricated so as to incorporate a 45 degree angle cut, extending from the beginning of each lateral side member up to the lower one-third region of each lateral side member, the 45 degree angle cut will allow the larger and smaller arms of the needle cover to securely interlock when the assembly is placed in the closed position. The two halves or arms of the needle cover assembly are attached to a frustum-shaped base member such that a hollow hub member can be press-fitted into the frustum-shaped base member. A rotatable collar, surrounding the frustum-shaped base member, possesses a plurality of ridges on its external surface which allows the collar to easily rotated. When the collar is rotated approximately 90 degrees, the two halves or arms of the cover member are split apart so that the two halves or arms of the needle cover are away from each other, thereby exposing the needle so that it can be used for an injection of medicine. After the injection has been given, the two halves or arms of the needle cover assembly can be closed by rotating the rotatable collar back to approximately 90 degrees.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of hypodermic syringeneedles. In particular, the present invention relates to needle coverassemblies for hypodermic syringes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common problem frequently encountered in hospitals and other medicalfacilities where injections are given is that when the doctor or nurserecaps the cover back onto the hypodermic needle, there is a motion ofthe hypodermic needle advancing toward the person's hand holding thecover and sometimes when recapping the cover onto the hypodermic needle,they accidentally prick themselves. This is a serious problem today whenthe injection has been given to someone with a serious disease such asthe well-known Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Hepatitis.

Conventional hypodermic needles provide no safe way for recapping thecover onto the hypodermic needle after use and consequently, usedhypodermic needles are the most common cause of accidental prickinjuries in hospital. This problem has led to the present inventionneedle cover assembly.

The limitations of several prior art patents will now be discussedbelow.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,277 issued to Norelli on Apr. 11, 1989 for "SafetyCover For Syringe Needles" (hereafter "the Norelli '277 Patent")discloses a safety cover for a conventional needle. It includes a pairof elongated semi-cylindrical jaws which cooperate to completely encasea conventional needle. Each jaw is hingeably attached to the syringebarrel. When the jaws are opened, the jaws are generally parallel toeach other and adjacent to the syringe. The two jaws are symmetricallysplit.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,871 issued to Luther on Jun. 13, 1989 for "NeedleGuard, And Assembly" (hereafter "the Luther Patent") discloses anassembly of a needle guard for a hub and attached needle. It includes anelongated cylindrical guard member mounted on the hub. The cylindricalguard member defines a longitudinal slot which coincides with theneedle. The guard member can be rotated away from the needle when inuse.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,503 issued to Miller on Dec. 12, 1989 for"Disposable Covered Needle For Syringe" (hereafter "the Miller Patent")discloses a disposable covered needle for a syringe. It includes aneedle member and a cover member pivotably-connected to each other. Thecover member has a long narrow opening for the needle to pass throughwhen the cover member is pivoted away and is covered by a rupturableplastic film which breaks when the cover is pivoted to expose theneedle.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,792 issued to Norelli on Mar. 20, 1990 for "SafetyCover For Syringe Needles" (hereafter "the Norelli '792 Patent")discloses a safety cover for syringe needles similar to the Norelli '277Patent.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,249 issued to Jagger, et al. on Aug. 21, 1990 for"Hypodermic Needle With Reclosable Safety Cap" (hereafter "the JaggerPatent") discloses a hypodermic needle apparatus. The needle cap issplit longitudinally into two halves or arms which, in the closedposition, abut each other. A ring is used to hold the two halves or armsin the closed position. The ring is threadedly mounted on a threadedportion of the hub which extends upwardly from a base which is used toattach the apparatus to a conventional syringe. The two halves or armsspring outwardly into the perpendicular position when in use. The twohalves or arms are symmetrically split and can be rotated to lock andunlock the two halves or arms.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,591 issued to Yuen on Oct. 30, 1990 for "NeedleAssembly" (hereafter "the Yuen Patent") discloses a swing-awaydisposable syringe needle cover. It includes a tube which is closed onone end and has a longitudinal slit at the other end, which issufficiently long and wide to permit the needle to traverse through theslit laterally. The tube cover is rotated to the perpendicular positionto expose the needle.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,475 issued to Olson on Apr. 30, 1991 for "ProtectorFor Intravenous And Syringe Needles" (hereafter "the Olson Patent")discloses a needle assembly for withdrawing body fluids. The two coverelements are pivotally connected to the body for rotation toward andaway from each other in a plane containing the needle about two pivotpoints. The two cover elements spring outwardly into the perpendicularposition. Each cover element has two halves or arms which aresymmetrically split.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,102 issued to Sitnik on Oct. 8, 1991 for "Swing-AwayDisposable Syringe Needle Cover" (hereafter "the Sitnik Patent")discloses a projector assembly. It includes an elongated hollowprotective sheath mounted on the hub and having openings extendinglongitudinally along both sides thereof to permit the needle to beinserted into one of two conduits. The top of the protective sheath hasan opening.

Accordingly, there remains an, as yet, unfulfilled need for an improvedhypodermic needle cover/guard assembly which simplifies the re-cappingof the needle of a hypodermic syringe, provides dual or redundantprotection against accidental "needle-sticks", and eliminates the needto have the user's hand in motion towards the needle of the hypodermicsyringe during the process of re-capping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention represents an improvement of the device originallydisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,322 issued to Nathan and Thomas on Aug.30, 1994 for "Needle Cover Assembly for Syringes" (hereinafter "theNathan Patent"), which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. In brief, the present invention relates to a needle coverassembly comprising an upper cover which extends over the syringe needleand a rotating lower base to which the tipper cover ishingeably-attached.

The present invention incorporates several modifications which markedlyimprove both the safety and case of operation. Specifically, one of thearms comprising the upper needle cover has been modified with an angledside member which allows the two arms of said needle cover to securelyinterlock when the assembly is placed in the fully closed position, thusensuring the arms will not re-open following closure. Secondly, theinterior, rotatable hollow hub has been modified with a plurality ofridges on its external surface, allowing rotation of the outer rotatingcollar and thereby preventing partial or total dislodging of the needlecover assembly from the hypodermic syringe due to the use of excessiverotational force in opening and closing the device.

More specifically, the upper cover is comprised of two halves or arms(i.e., a large arm and small arm) which are attached, at their proximalends, to the rotating lower base by a hinge. One arm of the coverextends over the syringe needle so that the split is not symmetricallydown the middle of the needle cover, but is instead, along an arcgreater than 180 degrees. Thus, there are two halves or arms, or arms,of the needle cover assembly, but they are asymmetrically oriented. Forexample, they may be approximately 270 degrees for one part andapproximately 90 degrees for the other. Each arm of the cover extendingover and around the needle, is further comprised of a hollow internalcavity with lateral side members. Additionally, both the large and smallarms are fabricated in such a manner as to incorporate a 45 degree anglecut, which extends from the lower base to the lower one-third region ofeach arm. These 45 degree angle cuts function to allow the two arms ofthe needle cover to securely interlock when the needle cover assembly isplaced in the fully closed position, thus ensuring the arms will notre-open following closure.

It has been discovered, according to the present invention, that if thelateral side members of the large arm is fabricated in such a manner asto incorporate a 45 degree angle cut, extending from the beginning ofeach lateral side member up to the lower one-third region of eachlateral side member, the 45 degree angle cut will allow the larger andsmaller arms of the needle cover to securely interlock when the assemblyis placed in the closed position. In previous described needleprotectors, the lack of such a 45 degree angle cut in the lateral sidemembers, allowed the formation of an opening at their area of joinder,thus potentially permitting the user to accidentally prick himself, evenwhen the cover was ostensibly in the closed position.

It has also been discovered, according to the present invention, that ifthe interior, hollow hub possesses a plurality of ridges on its externalsurface, it will allow for easy rotation of the outer rotating collar,thereby preventing partial or total dislodging of the needle coverassembly from the hypodermic syringe due to the use of excessiverotational force in opening and closing the device.

According to the present invention, if a needle cover assembly includesa rotatable collar member with an annular locking groove which engageswith a frustum-shaped base member, then it will provide a unique way ofinterlocking the rotatable collar member to the frustum-shaped basemember and thereby prevent portions of the needle cover assembly frombecoming loosened.

In one embodiment, if the interior, hollow hub possesses a plurality ofridges, it will allow for easy rotation of the outer rotating collar,thereby preventing partial or total dislodging of the needle coverassembly from the hypodermic syringe.

The present invention provides a rotatable collar member with curved orspiral shaped channels, possessing a plurality of ridges on theinterior, hollow hub, so as to allow easy opening and closing of thefirst and second halves or arms of the cover member of the needle coverassembly.

The present invention also provides a simple and efficient way to exposethe needle by having both halves or arms of the cover rotate away fromeach other, and then re-cover the needle by having both halves or armsrotate toward each other back to the closed position, to therebyeliminate any possible motion of the exposed needle toward a user'sfinger when the needle is being re-covered. In addition, the tip of theneedle is covered by both the arc-shaped inner shell of the second halfor arm or arm and the arc of the first half or arm or arm of the covermember so that the tip cannot possibly protrude through the splitportions of the cover member.

The present invention further provides living hinges to the first andsecond halves or arms of the cover member such that they areintegrally-, hingeably-attached to the frustum-shaped base member, sothat the molding and assembling costs in manufacturing the needle coversare significantly reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustrationonly and not limitation, there is illustrated:

FIG. 1: is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention needle cover assembly connected to a syringe.

FIG. 2: is a perspective view of the needle cover assembly with the twohalves or arms in the open condition.

FIG. 3: is a perspective view of a hypodermic needle attached to a hubmember and a protruding flange extending outwardly from the hub member.

FIG. 4: is an enlarged perspective view of the rotatable collar memberwith two recess notches.

FIG. 5: is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6: is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention needle cover assembly connected to a syringe.

FIG. 7: is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the presentinvention needle cover assembly in the closed position.

FIG. 8: is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the presentinvention needle cover assembly in the open position.

FIG. 9: is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 9--9 ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 10: is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention improved needle cover assembly with the two halves orarms in the open condition.

FIG. 11: is a perspective view of the rotatable collar member.

FIG. 12: is a side elevational view of the frustum-shaped base and oneof the two unequal halves or arms of the cover member in the fullvertical position, and also in the open condition shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 13: is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the two unequal halvesor arms of the cover member.

FIG. 14: is a partial cross-sectional view of the needle cover assembly.

FIG. 15: is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the presentinvention, showing one of the two unequal halves or arms of the covermember integrally attached by a living hinge to the frustum-shaped basemember in the full vertical position, and also in the open conditionshown in dashed lines.

FIG. 16: is a partial cross-sectional view of the needle cover assemblyshowing the first and second halves or arms of the cover memberintegrally and hingeably-attached to the frustum-shaped base member byliving hinges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the drawings, it should be understood thatsuch embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative ofbut a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which canrepresent applications of the principles of the present invention.Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art towhich the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit,scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined inthe appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention needle cover assembly 2 which is connected to aconventional syringe 4. The connection of the needle cover assembly 2 tothe syringe 4 may be by any conventional means such as a "push-to-fit"or threadedly mounted.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the needle cover assembly 2 includes ahollow hub member 8, a rotatable collar 20 and an elongated cover member10 which encloses the needle 6 of the hypodermic syringe. The needle 6and the hollow hub member 8 include a proximal end and a distal end. Theneedle cover assembly 2 utilizes the conventional female connectingportion which is connectable to the male connecting portion on aconventional syringe 4. The proximal end of the hollow hub member 8 isconnectable to a male portion of the conventional syringe 4. The distalend of the hollow hub member 8 is connected to the proximal end of thehypodermic needle 6.

The elongated cover member 10 is split longitudinally into two unequalhalves or arms, a first, larger half or arm 16 and a second, smallerhalf or arm 18, which, in the closed position abut and are parallel toeach other. The two unequal halves or arms 16 and 18 of the cover member10 are designed so as to form an internal, hollow cavity with side walls(see, FIG. 2) which completely encloses the hypodermic syringe needle 6when in the closed position (see, FIG. 1). In the open position, asshown in FIG. 2, the two halves or arms 16 and 18 open to form a 90degree opening for allowing the hypodermic syringe needle 6 to injectthe medicine into a patient. The two unequal halves or arms 16 and 18are split asymmetrically. Each half or arm of the cover member 10comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the firsthalf or arm 16 has an arc-shaped portion which is complementary to thedistal end of the second half or arm 18 and, as discussed above, formsan internal, hollow chamber which completely encloses the hypodermicsyringe needle 6. Additionally, the larger arm 16 is fabricated in sucha manner as to incorporate a 45 degree angle cut 17, which extends fromthe lower base to the lower one-third region of the larger arm 16. This45 degree angle cut functions so as to allow the larger arm 16 andsmaller arm 18 of the cover member 10 to securely interlock when theassembly is placed in the fully closed position, thus ensuring the armswill not re-open following closure.

By way of example and not of limitation, the first half or arm 16 of thecover member 10 is actually a 270 degree portion of a cylindrical dometop member and the second half or arm 18 is the complementary 90 degreeportion of the cylindrical dome top member. When the two halves or arms16 and 18 are closed, the two halves or arms 16 and 18 form the completecylindrical dome top member. The proximal ends of the two halves or arms16 and 18 are hingeably attached to the circumferential exteriorsidewall 14 of the hollow hub member 8. The critical feature is that thelarge unequal half or arm or arm 16 has its distal end completelycovering the hypodermic syringe needle 6 when in the closed position, asshown in FIG. 1. Thus, this provides and additional, redundant safetymeasure to prevent accidental "needle-sticks" with the tip of thehypodermic needle 6. It is emphasized that the selection of first halfor arm 16 being approximately a 270 degree arc cylinder and the secondhalf or arm 18 being approximately a 90 degree arc cylinder is onepotential design embodiment. However, it should be noted that the keyconcept is that the larger unequal half or arm or arm 16 needs to haveits dome portion cover the tip of the needle when in the closed positionso a user cannot accidentally prick himself with the needle tip. Inprior art needle covers, where the two halves or arms are equal, thereis a crack at the equal joinder location which is precisely where thetip of the needle is located, thus potentially allowing someone to bepricked with the needle tip. The present invention eliminates thispossibility.

A protruding flange 12 is integrally molded to the circumferentialexterior sidewall 14 of the hollow hub member 8 and is located adjacentto the proximal end. The protruding flange 12 allows for pivotalmovement of the two unequal halves or arms 16 and 18 from a fullvertical position to a 90 degrees angle opening.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the rotatable collar 20 comprises a toprim 22, a bottom rim 24 and a circumferential sidewall 26. Thecircumferential sidewall 26 includes a first recess notch 28 and anopposite second recess notch 30 which are located at the top rim 22.These recess notches 28 and 30 are utilized to allow the two halves orarms 16 and 18 of the cover member 10 to open for exposing thehypodermic needle 6. The circumferential sidewall 26 comprises anexterior surface and an interior surface with a locking groove 32 whichis located adjacent to the bottom rim 24 of the rotatable collar 20. Thelocking groove 32 extends between the two recess notches 28 and 30 whichis about 90 degrees, as illustrated in FIG. 5. When the rotatable collar20 is assembled onto the hollow hub member 8, the locking groove 32 istightly engaged with the protruding flange 12 of the hollow hub member8. The interior sidewall of the rotatable member 20 conforms to theexterior sidewall 14 of the hollow hub member 8.

The hollow hub member 8, the elongated cover member 10 and the rotatablecollar member 20 can be made by injection molding of plastic or anyother suitable method.

In operation, when the rotatable collar 20 is rotated 90 degrees, thetwo unequal halves or arms 16 and 18 of the elongated cover member 10are allowed to open into the two recess notches 28 and 30 on the top rim22 of the rotatable collar member 20. When the rotatable collar 20 isrotated back, the two unequal halves or arms 16 and 18 are forced backtogether by the top rim 22 of the rotatable collar member 20 to coverthe hypodermic needle 6.

The present invention has numerous advantages over the needle capsdescribed within the prior art in that at no point during the closing oropening procedures does the user have to move their hand or fingers inthe direction of the hypodermic needle point. As previously described,the hazard of someone's hand moving toward the needle point iseliminated. The opening and closing of the needle cap is by a simplerotational movement of the collar 20 and hence, is a much saferprocedure.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention needle cover assembly 42 which canbe connected to a conventional syringe, not shown. The connection of theneedle cover assembly 42 to the syringe may be by any conventional meanssuch as a "push-to-fit" or threadedly mounted.

There is a top plan view of the needle cover assembly 42 in the closedposition shown in FIG. 7. The needle cover assembly 42 includes a hollowhub member 48, a rotatable collar member 60 and an elongated covermember 50 which encloses a hypodermic needle 46. The hypodermic needle46 and the hollow hub member 48 include a proximal end and a distal end.The needle cover assembly 42 utilizes the conventional female connectingportion which is connectable to the male connecting portion on aconventional syringe. The proximal end of the hollow hub member 48 isconnectable to a male portion of the conventional syringe. The distalend of the hollow hub member 48 is connected to the proximal end of thehypodermic needle 46.

The elongated cover member 50 is split longitudinally into two unequalhalves or arms 56 and 58 which, in the closed position, abut and areparallel to each other. In the open position shown in FIG. 8, the twohalves or arms 56 and 58 open to form a 180 degree opening perpendicularto the hypodermic needle 46 for allowing the hypodermic needle 46 toinject the medicine into a patient. The two halves or arms 56 and 58 aresplit asymmetrically. Each half or arm or arm of the cover member 50comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the firsthalf or arm or arm 56 has an arc-shaped portion which is complementaryto the distal end of the second half or arm or arm 58 and forms a hollowchamber completely enclosing the hypodermic needle 46. By way of exampleand not of limitation, the first half or arm or arm 56 of the covermember 50 is actually a 270 degree portion of a cylindrical dome topmember and the second half or arm or arm 58 is the complementary 90degree portion of the cylindrical dome top member. When the two halvesor arms 56 and 58 are closed, the two halves or arms 56 and 58 form thecomplete cylindrical dome top member. The proximal ends of the twohalves or arms 56 and 58 are hingeably attached to the circumferentialexterior sidewall 54 of the hollow hub member 48. The two halves or arms56 and 58 of the cover member 50 include two protruding flanges 52 and53 which are integrally molded to the exterior surface. As with thefirst embodiment, the central feature is that the larger unequal half orarm or arm 56 has its distal end completely covering the needle 46 whenin the closed position as shown in FIG. 6. In this way, a user cannotaccidentally prick himself with the tip of the needle 6. As with thefirst embodiment, it is emphasized that the selection of first half orarm or arm 56 being approximately a 270 degree arc cylinder and thesecond half or arm or arm 58 being approximately a 90 degree arccylinder is one design choice. The key concept is that the largerunequal half or arm or arm 56 needs to have its dome portion cover thetip of the needle when in the closed position so a user cannotaccidentally prick himself with the needle tip.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the rotatable collar member 60 comprisesa top rim 62, a bottom rim 64 and a circumferential sidewall 66. Thecircumferential sidewall 66 includes a first recess notch 68 and anopposite second recess notch 70 which are located at the top rim 62 ofthe rotatable collar member 60. These recess notches 68 and 70 areutilized to allow the two halves or arms 56 and 58 of the cover member50 to open for exposing the hypodermic needle 46. The circumferentialsidewall 66 comprises an exterior and an interior surface with a lockinggroove 72.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the locking groove 72 extends all around theinterior surface of the circumferential sidewall 66 and is locatedadjacent and parallel to the top rim 62. To open the two halves or arms56 and 58 of the elongated cover member 50, the rotatable collar member50 is rotated and the protruding flanges 52 and 53 of the two halves orarms 56 and 58 engage with the locking groove 72. The protruding flanges52 and 53 travel along the locking groove 72 of rotatable collar 60. Atpoints 98, the locking groove 72 will be facing inwardly towards the twohalves or arms 56 and 58 At points 99, the locking groove 72 traversesand crosses over to the top rim 62. At points 100, the locking groove 72will be facing upwardly. When the rotatable collar 60 is assembled ontothe hollow hub member 48, the locking groove 72 is tightly engaged withthe two protruding flange 52 and 53 of the two halves or arms 56 and 58of the cover member 50. The interior sidewall of the rotatable member 60conforms to the exterior sidewall 54 of the hollow hub member 48.

The hollow hub member 48, the elongated cover member 50 and therotatable collar member 60 can be made by injection molded plastic orother suitable method.

In operation, when the rotatable collar 60 is rotated 90 degrees, thetwo halves or arms 56 and 58 of the elongated cover member 50 areallowed to open into the two recess notches 68 and 70 by the twoprotruding flanges 52 and 53 travelling along the locking groove 72.When the rotatable collar 60 is rotated back, the two halves or arms 56and 58 are forced back together by the two recess notches 68 and 70 andalso by the two protruding flanges 52 and 53 travelling along thelocking groove 72.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 14, there is shown a perspective view ofanother embodiment of the present invention improved needle coverassembly 102. The needle cover assembly 102 can be constructed out offour pieces: a frustum-shaped base member 112, see FIG. 12; an elongatedcover member which has a first half or arm or arm 160 and an oppositeunequal second half or arm or arm 162; and a rotatable collar member oractuator enclosure 120.

The needle cover assembly 102 is used in conjunction with a conventionalhollow hub member 104 which has a bottom end 106 connectable to asyringe and a top end 108 which is connected to a hypodermic needle 110with a tip 111. By way of example and not of limitation, the syringe maybe connected by any conventional means such as a "push-to-fit" orthreadedly mounted. The needle cover assembly 102 can be manufacturedwith or without the hollow hub member 104. The needle cover assembly 102is designed to be adaptable to any conventional hub member 104 whichutilizes the hypodermic needle 110.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a perspective view of the rotatablecollar member 120. The rotatable collar member 120 has a top rim 124with a central opening 128, a circumferential sidewall 130, and a bottomrim 122. The circumferential sidewall 130 has a knurled exterior surface132 which is provided to facilitate the actuation of the rotatablecollar member 120, and an interior surface 134 with an annular lockinggroove 136 which is located adjacent to the bottom rim 122. Thecircumferential sidewall 130 further has a first smooth curve or spiralshaped channel 140 and an opposite second smooth curve or spiral shapedchannel 142. The pair of spiral shaped channels 140 and 142 are locatedopposite to each other and originate at the central opening 128 of therotatable collar member 120. The pair of spiral channels 140 and 142extend downwardly to a midsection 144 of the rotatable collar member 120and allow the two unequal halves or arms 160 and 162 of the elongatedcover member to open for exposing the hypodermic needle 110, as shown inFIG. 10, or to be closed for protecting the hypodermic needle 110, asshown in FIG. 12.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, the frustum-shaped base member 112 has atop end 114 with a circular flange 116 which projects inwardly, acircumferential sidewall 118, a bottom end 113, and a hollow chamber 146therethrough. The circumferential sidewall 118 has two small exteriorvoids 148 which are located opposite to each other and adjacent to thebottom end 113 of the base member 112. The circumferential sidewall 118of the frustum-shaped base member 112 is constructed with two verticalexterior plane surfaces 150 which are located opposite to each other andabove a respective one of the two small exterior voids 148. Eachvertical exterior plane surface 150 forms an acute angle A which isdefined by a vertical edge 154 and an inclined edge 156. The acute angleA is approximately 85 degree.

Additionally, the two vertical exterior plane surfaces 150 of thefrustum-shaped base member 112 possess a plurality of ridges 115 ontheir outer surface. These ridges 115 are located opposite to oneanother and function so as to allow easy rotation of the frustum-shapedbase member 112 within the surrounding, associated rotatable collarmember 120. It should be noted that the needle guards described in theprior art do not possess such ridges and thus require significantlygreater force to both open and close. Moreover, the use of ridges 115 onthe two vertical exterior plane surfaces 150 of the frustum-shaped basemember 112 results in a marked reduction in wall-thickness and overallbulk, in comparison to the devices disclosed in the prior art. Thisreduction in mass also allows for easy plastic molding techniques(through the use of less plastic), as well as increased ease of handlingand use, due to less overall bulk.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 12, 13 and 14, the uniqueness of the needle coverassembly 102 is the elongated cover member 158 which is splitlongitudinally into two unequal halves or arms 160 and 162 which, in theclosed position abut and are parallel to each other, as shown in across-sectional view of FIG. 13. In the open position, as shown in FIG.10, and FIG. 12 in dashed lines, the two halves or arms 160 and 162 opento form approximately a 170 degree or more opening for allowing thehypodermic needle 110 to inject the medicine into a patient. The twounequal halves or arms 160 and 162 are split asymmetrically. Each halfor arm or arm of the cover member 158 has a top end 166 and a bottom end164. The top end 166 of the first half or arm or arm 160 has anarc-shaped portion which is complementary to the top end 166 of thesecond half or arm or arm 162 and forms a hollow chamber 170 completelyenclosing the hypodermic needle 110. By way of example and not oflimitation, the first half or arm or arm 160 of the cover member 158 isactually a 270 degree portion of a cylindrical dome top member and thesecond half or arm or arm 162 is the complementary 90 degree portion ofthe cylindrical dome top member. When the two halves or arms 160 and 162are closed, the two halves or arms 160 and 162 form the completecylindrical dome top member.

The second half or arm or arm 162 is designed with an arc-shaped innershell 172 which is similar to the shape of the first half or arm or arm160 but with reduced dimensions such that the arc-shaped inner shell 172is completely enclosed by the first half or arm or arm 160 when in theclosed position, as shown in FIG. 13. Both the arc-shaped inner shell172 of the second half or arm or arm 162 and the first half or arm orarm 160 provide a double protection to cover the hypodermic needle 110.The critical feature is that the large unequal half or arm or arm 160and the arc-shaped inner shell 172 of the second half or arm or arm 162have their top ends 166 completely covering the needle 110 when in theclosed position, as shown in FIG. 14. In this way, a user cannotaccidentally prick himself or herself with the tip 111 of the needle110. It is emphasized that the selection of first half or arm or arm 160being approximately a 270 degree arc cylinder and the second half or armor arm 162 being approximately a 90 degree arc cylinder with thearc-shaped inner shell 172 is one design choice. The key concept is thattwo unequal halves or arms 160 and 162 both cover the tip 111 of theneedle 110 when in the closed position so a user cannot accidentallyprick himself or herself with the needle tip 111.

Each half or arm or arm of the cover member 158 has an L-shaped arm 174.The L-shaped arms 174 are substantially identical, and to the extentthey are, only one will be described in detail. The L-shaped arm 174 hasa top end 178 and a bottom end 176 with a boss or a protuberance 182projecting inwardly, where the top end 178 is integrally molded to arespective one side 180 of the two unequal halves or arms 160 and 162adjacent to the bottom ends 164. The L-shaped arms 174 allow for pivotalmovement of the two unequal halves or arms 160 and 162 from a fullvertical position to an inclined position of approximately 85 degreeopening for each half or arm or arm of the cover member 158.

The manufacturing process which could accommodate the construction ofthe needle cover assembly 102 can be injection, cast, thermoform, andthe like molding processes. By way of example and not of limitation, thefrustum-shaped base member 112, the first and second halves or arms 160and 162 of the elongated cover member 158, and the rotatable collarmember 120 can be made of plastic material or any other suitablematerial.

The needle cover assembly 102 is assembled by press-fitting the hollowhub member 104 into the hollow chamber 146 of the frustum-shaped basemember 112 such that the hypodermic needle 110 projects through the topend 114 of the frustum-shaped base member 112. The circular flange 116at the top end 114 of the frustum-shaped base member 112 prevents thehollow hub member 104 from extending above the top end 114 of the basemember 112. The bosses or protuberances 182 of the L-shaped arms 174 areinserted into a respective one of the two small exterior voids 148 ofthe circumferential sidewall 118 of the base member 112, where therotatable collar member 120 is snapped onto to the circumferentialsidewall 118 of the base member 112. The annular locking groove 136engages with a protruding sidewall 117 adjacent to the bottom end 113 ofthe base member 112, thereby securing the rotatable collar member 120and the first and second halves or arms 160 and 162 of the cover member158 to the frustum-shaped base member 112.

The operation of the foregoing embodiment now will be described. Whenrotating the rotatable collar member 120, the L-shaped arms 174 of thefirst and second halves or arms 160 and 162 of the elongated covermember 158 are allowed to travel downwardly along the first and secondsmooth curve shaped channels 140 and 142 respectively such that theincline edges 156 of the frustum-shaped base member 112 can stop thedownward movements of the first and second halves or arms 160 and 162 ofthe cover member 158, and thereby the first and second halves or arms160 and 162 of the cover member 158 are open to expose the hypodermicneedle 110. When the rotatable collar member 120 is rotated back, theL-shaped arms 174 of the first and second halves or arms 160 and 162 ofthe cover member 158 are allowed to travel upwardly along the first andsecond smooth curve shaped channels 140 and 142 respectively such thatthe vertical edges 154 of the frustum-shaped base member 112 stop theupward movements of the first and second halves or arms 160 and 162 ofthe cover member 158, thereby covering the hypodermic needle 110.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is shown another embodiment of thepresent invention improved needle cover assembly 202. The needle coverassembly 202 can be molded in two pieces: a frustum-shaped base member212; and a rotatable collar member or actuator enclosure 220. Thefrustum-shaped base 212 further includes an elongated cover member whichhas a first half or arm or arm 260 and an opposite unequal second halfor arm or arm (not shown in these figures but shown in FIG. 10). Sinceit is very similar to the previously described embodiment above exceptthat the first and second halves or arms of the cover member areintegrally hinged to the frustum-shaped base 212, the parts are numberedcorrespondingly with 200 added to each number.

The rotatable collar member 220 is exactly the same as the precedingembodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, and the description thereof will not berepeated. The frustum-shaped base member 212 is very similar to thepreceding embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, and the descriptionthereof will not be repeated; only the modified parts will be described.

The circumferential sidewall 218 of the frustum-shaped base 212 isconstructed with two vertical exterior plane surfaces 250 which arelocated opposite to each other. Each vertical exterior plane surface 250has a vertical edge 254.

Each half or arm or arm of the cover member 258 has an L-shaped arm 274.The L-shaped arms 274 are substantially identical, and to the extentthey are, only one will be described in detail. The L-shaped arm 274 hasa top end 278 and a bottom end 276, where the top end 278 is integrallymolded to a respective one side 280 of the two unequal halves or armsadjacent to the bottom ends 264. The bottom ends 276 of the L-shapedarms 274 are integrally hinged by living hinges 282 to a respective oneof the vertical edges 254 of two vertical exterior plane surfaces 250which allow for pivotal movement of the two unequal halves or arms froma full vertical position to an inclined position of approximately 85degree opening for each half or arm or arm of the cover member 258.These living hinges 282 are molded as part of the frustum-shaped basemember 212 and are preferably constructed from the same material as theneedle cover assembly 202.

The manufacturing process which could accommodate the construction ofthe needle cover assembly 202 can be injection, cast, thermoform, etc.,or other molding processes. By way of example and not of limitation, thefrustum-shaped base member 212, the first and second halves or arms ofthe elongated cover member 258, and the rotatable collar member 220 canbe made of a plastic polymeric material or any other suitable material.

The needle cover assembly 202 is assembled by press-fitting the hollowhub member 204 into the hollow chamber 246 of the frustum-shaped basemember 212 such that the hypodermic needle 210 projects through the topend 214 of the frustum-shaped base member 212. The circular flange 216at the top end 214 of the frustum-shaped base member 212 prevents thehollow hub member 204 from extending above the top end 214 of the basemember 212. The rotatable collar member 220 is snapped onto thecircumferential sidewall 218 of the base member 212, in which theannular locking groove 236 engages with a protruding sidewall 217adjacent the bottom end 213 of the base member 212, thereby securing therotatable collar member 220 to the frustum-shaped base member 212.

The operation of the foregoing embodiment now will be described. Whenrotating the rotatable collar member 220, the L-shaped arms 274 of thefirst and second halves or arms of the elongated cover member 258 areallowed to travel downwardly along the first and second smooth curveshaped channels respectively, and thereby open to expose the hypodermicneedle 210. When the rotatable collar member 220 is rotated back, theL-shaped arms 274 of the first and second halves or arms of the covermember 258 are allowed to travel upwardly along the first and secondsmooth curve shaped channels respectively such that the vertical edges254 of the frustum-shaped base member 212 stop the upward movements ofthe first and second halves or arms of the cover member 258, therebycovering the hypodermic needle 210.

The present invention has many advantages over prior art needle caps inthat at no point during the closing or opening procedures does the userhave to move their hand or fingers in the direction of the hypodermicneedle point. Thus, as previously described, the hazard of someone'shand moving toward the needle point is eliminated. The opening andclosing of the needle cover is by a simple rotational movement of therotatable collar member and the needle cover provides a doubleprotection.

Defined in detail, the present invention is a needle cover assembly usedin conjunction with a hollow hub member, the hollow hub member having abottom end connectable to a syringe and a top end connected to ahypodermic needle with a tip, the assembly comprises the followingcomponents: (a) a rotatable collar member having a bottom rim, a top rimwith a central opening, and a circumferential sidewall, thecircumferential sidewall having a knurled exterior surface, an interiorsurface with an annular locking groove located adjacent to the bottomrim, a first smooth curve shaped channel, and an opposite second smoothcurve shaped channel, each smooth curve shaped channel beginning at thetop rim and extending downwardly to a midsection of the rotatable collarmember; (b) a frustum-shaped base member having a bottom end, a top endwith a circular flange projecting inwardly, a circumferential sidewall,and a hollow chamber therethrough, the circumferential sidewall havingtwo small exterior voids located at locations opposite to each other andadjacent to the bottom end and a protruding sidewall adjacent to thebottom end; (c) said circumferential sidewall of said frustum-shapedbase member further having two vertical exterior plane surfaces,possessing a plurality of ridges, located at locations opposite to eachother and each above a respective one of said two small exterior voids,each vertical exterior plane surface having an acute angle defined by avertical edge and an inclined edge; (d) an elongated cover member havinga first half or arm or arm and an opposite unequal second half or arm orarm, each half or arm or arm having a bottom end and a top end, the topend of the first half or arm or arm being arc-shaped, the top end of thesecond half or arm or arm being complementary to the arc-shaped top endof the first half or arm or arm, to form an internal, hollow chambercompletely enclosing said hypodermic needle; (e) said first half or armor arm of said elongated cover member having a greater arc than saidunequal second half or arm or arm of said elongated cover member suchthat said top end of said first half or arm or arm covers said tip ofsaid hypodermic needle when in the closed position; (f) said unequalsecond half or arm or arm of said elongated cover member having anarc-shaped inner shell similar to said first half or arm or arm of saidcover member, the arc-shaped inner shell having reduced dimensions suchthat the arc-shaped inner shell is completely enclosed by said firsthalf or arm or arm of said cover member when in the closed position andthe arc-shaped inner shell also covers said tip of said hypodermicneedle for double protection; and wherein said first half incorporates a45 degree angle cut, which extends from the lower base to the lowerone-third region of said first half or arm so as to allow the first andsecond halves or arms to securely interlock when the elongated covermember assembly is placed in the fully closed position; (g) two L-shapedarms each having a bottom end and a top end, each top end integrallymolded to a respective one of said bottom ends of said first and secondhalves or arms of said cover member, each bottom end having a projectingboss for engaging with a respective one of said two small exterior voidsof said circumferential sidewall of said frustum-shaped base member,where said rotatable collar member can be snapped onto saidfrustum-shaped base member such that said annular locking groove of saidrotatable collar member engages with said protruding sidewall of saidfrustum-shaped base member for securing said rotatable collar member andsaid first and second halves or arms of said cover member to saidfrustum-shaped base member; and (h) whereby said hollow hub member ispress-fitted through said hollow chamber of said frustum-shaped basemember such that said hypodermic needle projects through said top end ofsaid frustum-shaped base member and said circular flange prevents saidtop end of said hollow hub member from extending above said top end ofsaid frustum-shaped base member, and when rotating said rotatable collarmember, said L-shaped arms of said first and second halves or arms ofsaid elongated cover member are allowed to travel downwardly along saidfirst and second smooth curve shaped channels respectively such thatsaid incline edges of said frustum-shaped base member can stop thedownward movements of said first and second halves or arms of said covermember, and thereby said cover member is open to expose said hypodermicneedle, and when said rotatable collar member is rotated back, saidL-shaped arms of said first and second halves or arms of said covermember are allowed to travel upwardly along said first and second smoothcurve shaped channels respectively such that said vertical edges of saidfrustum-shaped base member can stop the upward movements of said firstand second halves or arms of said cover member, and thereby cover saidhypodermic needle.

Defined broadly, the present invention is a needle cover assembly usedin conjunction with a hub member, the hub member having a bottom endconnectable to a syringe and a top end connected to a hypodermic needlewith a tip, the assembly comprising the following components: (a) acollar member having a bottom rim, a top rim, and a sidewall, thesidewall having a first spiral shaped channel and an opposite secondspiral shaped channel, each spiral shaped channel beginning at the toprim and extending downwardly to a midsection of the collar member; (b) afrustum-shaped base member having a bottom end, a top end with a flange,a sidewall, and a hollow chamber therethrough, the sidewall having twosmall exterior voids and two exterior plane surfaces located atlocations opposite to each other and adjacent to said bottom end of saidfrustum-shaped base member, each exterior plane surface having avertical edge and an inclined edge; (c) a cover member having a firsthalf or arm or arm and an opposite unequal second half or arm or arm,the first half or arm or arm being complementary to the second half orarm or arm, to form a chamber enclosing said hypodermic needle; (d) saidfirst half or arm or arm of said cover member having a greater arc thansaid unequal second half or arm or arm of said cover member such thatsaid top end of said first half or arm or arm covers said tip of saidhypodermic needle when in the closed position; (e) said unequal secondhalf or arm or arm of said cover member having an inner shell withreduced dimensions such that the inner shell is completely enclosed bysaid first half or arm or arm of said cover member and the inner shellalso covers said tip of said hypodermic needle when in the closedposition for double protection; (f) a pair of L-shaped arms each havinga bottom end and a top end, each top end integrally molded to arespective one of said bottom ends of said first and second halves orarms of said cover member, each bottom end having a projecting boss forengaging with a respective one of said two small exterior voids of saidsidewall of said frustum-shaped base member; and (g) means for securingsaid collar member to said frustum-shaped base member; (h) whereby saidhub member is press-fitted through said hollow chamber of saidfrustum-shaped base member such that said hypodermic needle projectsthrough said top end of said frustum-shaped base member and said flangeprevents said top end of said hub member from extending above said topend of said frustum-shaped base member, and when rotating said collarmember, said L-shaped arms of said first and second halves or arms ofsaid cover member are allowed to travel downwardly along said first andsecond spiral channels respectively such that said inclined edges ofsaid frustum-shaped base member can stop the downward movements of saidfirst and second halves or arms, and thereby said cover member is opento expose said hypodermic needle, and when said collar member is rotatedback, said L-shaped arms of said first and second halves or arms areallowed to travel upwardly along said first and second spiral shapedchannels respectively such that said vertical edges of saidfrustum-shaped base member can stop the upward movements of said firstand second halves or arms, and thereby cover said hypodermic needle.

Defined more broadly, the present invention is a needle cover assemblyused in conjunction with a hub member connectable to a syringe at oneend and connected to a needle at the other end, the assembly iscomprised of the following components: (a) a collar member having abottom rim, a top rim, and a sidewall, the sidewall having a pair ofopposite spiral channels; (b) a base member having a first end, a secondend, a sidewall, and a chamber such that said hub member can be insertedthrough the chamber, where said needle is projected through the firstend of the base member; (c) a cover member having a first half or arm orarm and a second half or arm or arm, each half or arm having a first endand a second end, each half or arm having an arm with one end integrallymolded to the second end of the cover half or arm, and the other end ofeach arm having a protuberance; (d) means for securing saidprotuberances of said arms of said first and second halves or arms tosaid base member; and (e) means for securing said collar member to saidbase member; (f) whereby when rotating said collar member, said arms ofsaid first and second halves or arms of said cover member are allowed totravel along said pair of spiral channels respectively to expose saidneedle, and when said collar member is rotated back, said arms of saidfirst and second halves or arms are allowed to travel along said pair ofspiral channels respectively to cover said needle.

Alternatively defined in detail, the present invention is a needle coverassembly used in conjunction with a hollow hub member, the hollow hubmember having a bottom end connectable to a syringe and a top endconnected to a hypodermic needle with a tip, the assembly is comprisedof the following components: (a) a rotatable collar member having abottom rim, a top rim with a central opening, and a circumferentialsidewall, the circumferential sidewall having a knurled exteriorsurface, an interior surface with an annular locking groove locatedadjacent to the bottom rim, a first smooth curve shaped channel, and anopposite second smooth curve shaped channel, each smooth curve shapedchannel beginning at the top rim and extending downwardly to amidsection of the rotatable collar member; (b) a frustum-shaped basemember having a bottom end, a top end with a circular flange projectinginwardly, a circumferential sidewall, and a hollow chamber therethrough,the circumferential sidewall having two vertical exterior planesurfaces, possessing a plurality of ridges, located at locationsopposite to each other and a protruding sidewall adjacent to the bottomend, each vertical exterior plane surface having a vertical edge; (c) anelongated cover member having a first half or arm and an oppositeunequal second half or arm, each half or arm having a bottom end and atop end, the top end of the first half or arm being arc-shaped, the topend of the second half or arm being complementary to the arc-shaped topend of the first half or arm, to form a hollow chamber enclosing saidhypodermic needle; (d) said first half or arm of said elongated covermember having a greater arc than said unequal second half or arm of saidelongated cover member such that said top end of said first half or armcovers said tip of said hypodermic needle when in the closed position;(e) said unequal second half or arm of said elongated cover memberhaving an arc-shaped inner shell similar to said first half or arm ofsaid cover member, the arc-shaped inner shell having reduced dimensionssuch that the arc-shaped inner shell is completely enclosed by saidfirst half or arm of said cover member when in the closed position andthe arc-shaped inner shell also covers said tip of said hypodermicneedle for double protection, and wherein said first half incorporates a45 degree angle cut, which extends from the lower base to the lowerone-third region of said first half or arm so as to allow the first andsecond halves or arms to securely interlock when the elongated covermember assembly is placed in the fully closed position; and (f) twoL-shaped arms each having a bottom end and a top end, each top endintegrally molded to a respective one of said bottom ends of said firstand second halves or arms of said cover member, each bottom endintegrally hinged by a living hinge to a respective one of said twovertical edges of said circumferential sidewall of said frustum-shapedbase member, where said rotatable collar member can be snapped onto saidfrustum-shaped base member such that said annular locking groove of saidrotatable collar member engages with said protruding sidewall of saidfrustum-shaped base member for securing said rotatable collar member andsaid first and second halves or arms of said cover member to saidfrustum-shaped base member; (g) whereby said hollow hub member ispress-fitted through said hollow chamber of said frustum-shaped basemember such that said hypodermic needle projects through said top end ofsaid frustum-shaped base member and said circular flange prevents saidtop end of said hollow hub member from extending above said top end ofsaid frustum-shaped base member, and when rotating said rotatable collarmember, said L-shaped arms of said first and second halves or arms ofsaid elongated cover member are allowed to travel downwardly along saidfirst and second smooth curve shaped channels respectively, and therebysaid cover member is open to expose said hypodermic needle, and whensaid rotatable collar member is rotated back, said L-shaped arms of saidfirst and second halves or arms of said cover member are allowed totravel upwardly along said first and second smooth curve shaped channelsrespectively such that said vertical edges of said frustum-shaped basemember can stop the upward movements of said first and second halves orarms of said cover member, and thereby cover said hypodermic needle.

Alternatively defined broadly, the present invention is a needle coverassembly used in conjunction with a hub member, the hub member having abottom end connectable to a syringe and a top end connected to ahypodermic needle with a tip, the assembly comprising the followingcomponents: (a) a collar member having a bottom rim, a top rim, and asidewall, the sidewall having a first spiral shaped channel and anopposite second spiral shaped channel, each spiral shaped channelbeginning at the top rim and extending downwardly to a midsection of thecollar member; (b) a frustum-shaped base member having a bottom end, atop end with a flange, a sidewall, and a hollow chamber therethrough,the sidewall having two exterior plane surfaces located at locationsopposite to each, each exterior plane surface having a vertical edge;(c) a cover member having a first half or arm and an opposite unequalsecond half or arm, the first half or arm being complementary to thesecond half or arm, to form a chamber enclosing said hypodermic needle;(d) said first half or arm of said cover member having a greater arcthan said unequal second half or arm of said cover member such that saidtop end of said first half or arm covers said tip of said hypodermicneedle when in the closed position; (e) said unequal second hall or armof said cover member having an inner shell with reduced dimensions suchthat the inner shell is completely enclosed by said first half or arm ofsaid cover member and the inner shell also covers said tip of saidhypodermic needle when in the closed position for double protection; (f)a pair of L-shaped arms each having a bottom end and a top end, each topend integrally molded to a respective one of said bottom ends of saidfirst and second halves or arms of said cover member respectively, eachbottom end integrally hinged by a living hinge to a respective one ofsaid two vertical edges of said sidewall of said frustum-shaped basemember; and (g) means for securing said collar member to saidfrustum-shaped base member; (h) whereby said hub member is press-fittedthrough said hollow chamber of said frustum-shaped base member such thatsaid hypodermic needle projects through said top end of saidfrustum-shaped base member and said flange prevents said top end of saidhub member from extending above said top end of said frustum-shaped basemember, and when rotating said collar member, said L-shaped arms of saidfirst and second halves or arms of said cover member are allowed totravel downwardly along said first and second spiral shaped channelsrespectively, and thereby said cover member is open to expose saidhypodermic needle, and when said collar member is rotated back, saidL-shaped arms of said first and second halves or arms are allowed totravel upwardly along said first and second spiral shaped channelsrespectively such that said vertical edges of said frustum-shaped basemember can stop the upward movements of said first and second halves orarms, and thereby cover said hypodermic needle.

Alternatively defined more broadly, the present invention is a needlecover assembly used in conjunction with a hub member connectable to asyringe at one end and connected to a needle at the other end, theassembly comprising: (a) a collar member having a bottom rim, a top rim,and a sidewall, the sidewall having a pair of opposite spiral channels;(b) a base member having a first end, a second end, a sidewall, and achamber such that said hub member is inserted through the chamber, wheresaid needle is projected through the first end of the base member; (c) acover member having a first half or arm and a second half or arm, eachhalf or arm having a first end and a second end, each half or arm havingan arm with one end integrally molded to a respective one of said secondends of said cover halves or arms; (d) living hinge means for integrallyattaching the other ends of said arms of said first and second halves orarms to said base member; and (e) means for securing said collar memberto said base member; (f) whereby when rotating said collar member, saidarms of said first and second halves or arms of said cover member areallowed to travel along said pair of spiral channels respectively toexpose said needle, and when said collar member is rotated back, saidarms of said first and second halves or arms are allowed to travel alongsaid pair of spiral channels respectively to cover said needle.

EQUIVALENTS

From the foregoing detailed description of the specific embodiments ofthe present invention, it should be readily apparent that a novel,improved method for a needle cover assembly has been disclosed. Althoughparticular embodiments have been set forth herein in detail, this hasbeen done by way of example for purposes of illustration only, and isnot intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appendedclaims which follow. In particular, it is contemplated by the inventorthat various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be madeto the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the claims. For example, specific type ofplastic polymer which is selected for the fabrication of the needlecover assembly of the claimed invention is believed to be a matter ofroutine for a person of ordinary skill in the art with knowledge of theembodiments described herein.

What is claimed:
 1. A needle cover assembly used in conjunction with ahollow hub member, the hollow hub member having a bottom end connectableto a syringe and a top end connected to a hypodermic needle with a tip,the assembly comprising:a) a rotatable collar member having a bottomrim, a top rim with a central opening, and a circumferential sidewall,the circumferential sidewall having a knurled exterior surface, aninterior surface with an annular locking groove located adjacent to thebottom rim, a first smooth curve shaped channel, and an opposite secondsmooth curve shaped channel, each smooth curve shaped channel beginningat the top rim and extending downwardly to a midsection of the rotatablecollar member; b) a frustum-shaped base member having a bottom end, atop end with a circular flange projecting inwardly, a circumferentialsidewall, and a hollow chamber therethrough, the circumferentialsidewall having two small exterior voids located at locations oppositeto each other and adjacent to the bottom end and a protruding sidewalladjacent to the bottom end; c) said circumferential sidewall of saidfrustum-shaped base member further having two vertical exterior planesurfaces at locations opposite to each other and each above a respectiveone of said two small exterior voids, each vertical exterior planesurface having an acute angle is defined by a vertical edge and aninclined edge, and wherein the two vertical exterior plane surfaces ofsaid circumferential sidewall of said frustum-shaped base member possessa plurality of ridges located at locations opposite to each other; d) anelongated cover member having a first half or arm and an oppositeunequal second half or arm, each half or arm having a bottom end and atop end, the top end of the first half or arm being arc-shaped, the topend of the second half or arm being complementary to the arc-shaped topend of the first half or arm, to form a hollow chamber enclosing saidhypodermic needle, wherein the bottom end of the first half or armpossesses a 45 degree angle cut, which extends from the lower base tothe lower one-third region of said first half or arm so as to allow thefirst and second halves or arms to securely interlock when the elongatedcover member assembly is placed in the fully closed position; e) saidfirst half or arm of said elongated cover member having a greater arcthan said unequal second half or arm of said elongated cover member suchthat said top end of said first half or arm covers said tip of saidhypodermic needle when in the closed position; f) said unequal secondhalf or arm of said elongated cover member having an arc-shaped innershell similar to said first half or arm of said cover member, thearc-shaped inner shell having reduced dimensions such that thearc-shaped inner shell is completely enclosed by said first half or armof said cover member when in the closed position and the arc-shapedinner shell also covers said tip of said hypodermic needle for doubleprotection; g) two L-shaped arms each having a bottom end and a top end,each top end integrally molded to a respective one of said bottom endsof said first and second halves or arms of said cover member, eachbottom end having a projecting boss for engaging with a respective oneof said two small exterior voids of said circumferential sidewall ofsaid frustum-shaped base member, where said rotatable collar member canbe snapped onto said frustum-shaped base member such that said annularlocking groove of said rotatable collar member engages with saidprotruding sidewall of said frustum-shaped base member for securing saidrotatable collar member and said first and second halves or arms of saidcover member to said frustum-shaped base member; and h) whereby saidhollow hub member is press-fitted through said hollow chamber of saidfrustum-shaped base member such that said hypodermic needle projectsthrough said top end of said frustum-shaped base member and saidcircular flange prevents said top end of said hollow hub member fromextending above said top end of said frustum-shaped base member, andwhen rotating said rotatable collar member, said L-shaped arms of saidfirst and second halves or arms of said elongated cover member areallowed to travel downwardly along said first and second smooth curveshaped channels respectively such that said incline edges of saidfrustum-shaped base member can stop the downward movements of said firstand second halves or arms of said cover member, and thereby said covermember is open to expose said hypodermic needle, and when said rotatablecollar member is rotated back, said L-shaped arms of said first andsecond halves or arms of said cover member are allowed to travelupwardly along said first and second smooth curve shaped channelsrespectively such that said vertical edges of said frustum-shaped basemember can stop the upward movements of said first and second halves orarms of said cover member, and thereby cover said hypodermic needle. 2.The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein said frustum-shaped basemember, said first and second halves or arms of said elongated covermember, and said rotatable collar member are made of injection moldedplastic.
 3. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein said acuteangles of said circumferential exterior sidewall of said frustum-shapedbase member are approximately 85 degrees.
 4. A needle cover assemblyused in conjunction with a hub member, the hub member having a bottomend connectable to a syringe and a top end connected to a hypodermicneedle with a tip, the assembly comprising:a) a collar member having abottom rim, a top rim, and a sidewall, the sidewall having a firstspiral shaped channel and an opposite second spiral shaped channel, eachspiral shaped channel beginning at the top rim and extending downwardlyto a midsection of the collar member; b) a frustum-shaped base memberhaving a bottom end, a top end with a flange, a sidewall, and a hollowchamber therethrough, the sidewall having two small exterior voids andtwo exterior plane surfaces located at locations opposite to each otherand adjacent to said bottom end of said frustum-shaped base member, andeach exterior plane surface having a vertical edge and an inclined edge,wherein the two vertical exterior plane surfaces of said circumferentialsidewall of said frustum-shaped base member possess a plurality ofridges located at locations opposite to each other; c) a cover memberhaving a first half or arm and an opposite unequal second half or armthe first half or arm being complementary to the second half or arm, toform a chamber enclosing said hypodermic needle; d) said first half orarm of said cover member having a greater arc than said unequal secondhalf or arm of said cover member such that said top end of said firsthalf or arm covers said tip of said hypodermic needle when in the closedposition; e) said unequal second half or arm of said cover member havingan inner shell with reduced dimensions such that the inner shell iscompletely enclosed by said first half or arm of said cover member andthe inner shell also covers said tip of said hypodermic needle when inthe closed position for double protection; f) a pair of L-shaped armseach having a bottom end and a top end, each top end integrally moldedto a respective one of said bottom ends of said first and second halvesor arms of said cover member, each bottom end having a projecting bossfor engaging with a respective one of said two small exterior voids ofsaid sidewall of said frustum-shaped base member, and wherein the bottomend of the first half or arm possesses a 45 degree angle cut, whichextends from the lower base to the lower one-third region of said firsthalf or arm so as to allow the first and second halves or arms tosecurely interlock when the elongated cover member assembly is placed inthe fully closed position; g) means for securing said collar member tosaid frustum-shaped base member; and h) whereby said hub member ispress-fitted through said hollow chamber of said frustum-shaped basemember such that said hypodermic needle projects through said top end ofsaid frustum-shaped base member and said flange prevents said top end ofsaid hub member from extending above said top end of said frustum-shapedbase member, and when rotating said collar member, said L-shaped arms ofsaid first and second halves or arms of said cover member are allowed totravel downwardly along said first and second spiral channelsrespectively such that said inclined edges of said frustum-shaped basemember can stop the downward movements of said first and second halvesor arms, and thereby said cover member is open to expose said hypodermicneedle, and when said collar member is rotated back, said L-shaped armsof said first and second halves or arms are allowed to travel upwardlyalong said first and second spiral shaped channels respectively suchthat said vertical edges of said frustum-shaped base member can stop theupward movements of said first and second halves or arms, and therebycover said hypodermic needle.
 5. The invention as defined in claim 4,wherein said frustum-shaped base member, said first and second halves orarms of said cover member, and said collar member are made of injectionmolded plastic.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 4, wherein saidmeans for securing said collar member to said frustum-shaped base memberincludes an annular locking groove located at a location adjacent tosaid bottom rim of said collar member such that the annular lockinggroove engages with a protruding sidewall located adjacent to saidbottom end of said frustum-shaped base member, where said collar memberis snapped onto said frustum-shaped base member, and thereby securessaid collar member, and said first and second halves or arms of saidcover member to said frustum-shaped base member.
 7. The invention asdefined in claim 4, wherein said sidewall of said collar member hasknurled exterior surfaces for gripping said collar member.
 8. A needlecover assembly used in conjunction with a hub member connectable to asyringe at one end and connected to a needle at the other end, theassembly comprising:a. a collar member having a bottom rim, a top rim,and a sidewall, the sidewall having a pair of opposite spiral channels;b. a base member having a first end, a second end, wherein the twovertical exterior plane surfaces of the circumferential sidewall of saidbase member possess a plurality of ridges located at locations oppositeto each other, a sidewall, and a chamber such that said hub member canbe inserted through the chamber, where said needle is projected throughthe first end of the base member; c. a cover member having a first halfor arm and a second half or arm, each half or arm having a first end anda second end, each half or arm having an arm with one end integrallymolded to the second end of the cover half or arm, and the other end ofeach arm having a protuberance, wherein the second end of the first halfor arm possesses a 45 degree angle cut, which extends from the lowersecond end to the lower one-third region of said second end of the firsthalf or arm so as to allow the first and second halves or arms tosecurely interlock when the elongated cover member assembly is placed inthe fully closed position; d. means for securing said protuberances ofsaid arms of said first and second halves or arms to said base member;e. means for securing said collar member to said base member; and f.whereby when rotating said collar member, said arms of said first andsecond halves or arms of said cover member are allowed to travel alongsaid pair of spiral channels respectively to expose said needle, andwhen said collar member is rotated back, said arms of said first andsecond halves or arms are allowed to travel along said pair of spiralchannels respectively to cover said needle.
 9. The invention as definedin claim 8, wherein said second half or arm of said cover memberincludes an inner shell with reduced dimensions such that the innershell is completely enclosed by said first half or arm and the innershell also covers said tip of said needle when in the closed positionfor double protection.
 10. The invention as defined in claim 8, whereinsaid means for securing said protuberances of said arms of said firstand second halves or arms to said base member includes two smallexterior voids located opposite to each other on said sidewall, and twoexterior plane surfaces located opposite to each other and each above arespective one of the two small exterior voids, each exterior planesurface having an acute angle defined by a vertical edge and an inclinededge.
 11. The invention as defined in claim 10, wherein said acuteangles of said sidewall of said base member are approximately 85 degree.12. The invention as defined in claim 8, wherein said means for securingsaid collar member to said base member includes a locking groove whichis located adjacent to said bottom rim of said of collar member andengages with a protruding sidewall adjacent to said second end of saidbase member, where said collar member is snapped onto said base memberfor securing said first and second halves or arms of said cover memberto said base member.